The Quad Cities and surrounding areas of Iowa and Illinois are endowed
with a great variety of landscapes, from the cities and wetlands along
the Mississippi River to wild hills and forests.

The National Trails Symposium, to be held October 19-22, 2006, will
be the occasion to learn about many fascinating projects. We'll be featuring
outstanding examples of these trails and greenways on our website, so
visit often for more about the National Trails Symposium. Also, read
about the vision of trails and greenways for
the area.

Thousands of bike riders got out to ride for Ride the River, an annual
Father's Day tradition in the Quad Cities. This year was the event's
21st anniversary.

Riders view the Mississippi River from both Quad Cities shorelines
on the Illinois and Iowa sides from the seats of their bicycles during
this festive event that the entire family enjoys. Choose from the basic
loop of 18 miles or ride as many as 60+ miles on the Great River Trail.
The route keeps riders close to the Mississippi River for an appreciation
of the community's greatest natural resource.

One highlight of Ride the River is to enjoy a trip across the river
on the Celebration Belle riverboat as your bike follows on a barge.
Another option is to cross the Arsenal Bridge from Davenport, Iowa,
into Rock Island, Illinois. There's entertainment, food and activities
along the way. Younger kids can also get involved at the "Kids
Ride the River Too" area with special activities for younger riders.

Proceeds from Ride the River help support riverfront trail development
and amenities in the Quad Cities. To date, the event has raised over
$100,000 for trail development in the Quad Cities, the Channel Cat Water
Taxi, trail construction, and the American Discovery Trail link on the
Arsenal Bridge and Arsenal Island.

Another great feature of the Quad Cities is the new skybridge in Davenport,
Iowa. Like the the arch in St. Louis and the Sundial Bridge in Redding,
California, the River Music Skybridge draws visitors and attention to
the riverfront. As one of the world's most visited tourist attractions,
the mighty Mississippi is a remarkable sight.

To take advantage of all the history and magic associated with the
river, the project includes a unique cable-stayed pedestrian skybridge
soaring 50 feet in the air over River Drive, safely connecting people
visiting the riverfront to the downtown.

The Skybridge provides a clear, uninterrupted view of the river for
more than 500 feet and eliminate the need for pedestrian traffic across
the heavily-used highway that separates the downtown and riverfront.
Glass elevators, as well as a stairway, take visitors up to the bridge
level.

The Skybridge cost about $7 million dollars, with $3.5 million coming
from a Vision Iowa grant, $2 million from Rhythm City Casino, $1.3 million
from the Riverboat Development Authority, and $500,000 from the City
of Davenport.

Iowa AmeriCorps Trails Team restores
Cedar River overlook

The new overlook after AmeriCorps
work

The project area before restoration

See the "before and after" photos below to appreciate the
difference made by this restoration project. The theme is "Sky
Over Rock Over Water." The Iowa Department of Natural Resources
AmeriCorps Trails Team developed this unique overlook on the Cedar River
last year.

The 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps trail system along the cliff
area has witnessed a number of accidents and several fatalities of late.
Cedar logs removed during a local prairie restoration project were used
as railings, while native limestone was used for the overlook entry
area.

Grand Illinois Trail And Parks

Sunday, June 11 through Saturday, June 17, 2006 is the Grand Illinois
Trail And Parks ride. Sponsored by the League of Illinois Bicyclists
in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Enjoy
a unique weeklong bike ride featuring segments of the Grand Illinois
Trail combined with overnights at three outstanding state parks and
one college. The ride begins and ends at Rochelle in north-central Illinois,
then makes an extended circular tour through western Illinois, including
four riding days along the Mississippi River. The route is generally
flat, with mileage choices ranging from 315 to 555 miles for the week.
Dinners, breakfasts, camping sites, sags, bike repair, T-shirts, door
prizes, and evening programs. Limited to 160 riders. $330. For information:
www.bikelib.org/gitap; oestreich@qconline.com;
or call Chuck Oestreich at 309-788-1845.

Badger Ridge at Hitchcock Nature
Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Located in the heart of the globally significant Loess Hills near Honey
Creek, IA, Hitchcock Nature Center harbors some of the largest remaining
prairie remnants in Iowa and provides refuge for plants and animals
found nowhere else in the state. Hitchcock's 1,003 acres are open every
day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, snow
sledding, star gazing or simply enjoying nature. Come visit Hitchcock
Nature Center and explore over 10 miles of hiking trails including an
equal access boardwalk that stretches a quarter mile into the Loess
Hills woodlands. For more information about Hitchcock Nature Center,
please call 712-545-3283 or visit our website at www.pottcoconservation.com